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Business Travel Optimism on the Rebound

November 7, 2025

A new survey from GBTA finds business travel professionals gaining in confidence as new patterns, policies and technologies redefine the industry.

After a period of uncertainty, optimism is returning to the global business travel sector, according to new research from the Global Business Travel Association (GBTA). The association’s 37th Business Travel Industry Outlook reveals growing confidence among travel professionals worldwide, even as the industry continues to navigate evolving traveler behaviors, government policies and technological transformation.

Rebounding Confidence Amid Lingering Headwinds

Nearly half (43%) of business travel professionals now say they feel more optimistic about the industry’s outlook — up 15 percentage points since mid-2025. Canadian respondents showed the sharpest recovery, with 54% expressing optimism compared to just 23% in June. Still, confidence remains below late-2024 levels, as companies continue to anticipate modest declines in trip volumes and spending through the remainder of 2025.

External pressures, including U.S. government actions, continue to weigh on projections. Over one-third (35%) of global buyers expect a decrease in travel volume next year, averaging a 19% reduction. Spending expectations mirror this trend, with 30% of buyers forecasting lower budgets. However, travel suppliers — particularly travel management companies (TMCs) — are showing resilience, with fewer expecting revenue drops than in earlier surveys.

“Business travel is showing signs of resilience and adaptation, with optimism rebounding and new patterns emerging,” said GBTA CEO Suzanne Neufang. “The industry continues to innovate in the face of external pressures and shifting internal priorities.”

Shifting Patterns and Evolving Traveler Behavior

The research highlights a notable change in how organizations plan and manage trips. Longer, multi-stop itineraries are on the rise, as 39% of travel buyers report growth in “linked” or multi-meeting journeys, while day trips have declined. Premium economy bookings are increasing, especially in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa (EMEA).

Corporate travel policies are also tightening around short-term rentals — 57% of programs now prohibit platforms such as Airbnb or Vrbo. At the same time, travelers themselves are investing more in personal comfort: 43% of travel managers say employees occasionally pay out of pocket for upgrades such as premium seats or extra hotel nights.

Blended or “bleisure” travel continues to gain acceptance, with 43% of companies establishing formal policies. A strong majority of travel buyers report that these programs improve employee satisfaction (71%) and work-life balance (68%), though concerns remain around duty of care, expense tracking, and insurance.

Accessibility and Artificial Intelligence: The Next Frontiers

Accessibility remains a challenge across the sector. Only 18% of corporate travel programs report fully accommodating employees with accessibility needs, compared to 35% of suppliers. Limited awareness, booking complexity, and inconsistent information continue to hinder progress.

Meanwhile, artificial intelligence—particularly agentic or autonomous AI—is emerging as a transformative force. Nearly half of travel suppliers and TMCs and one-third of buyers report experimenting with AI-driven automation, especially for itinerary planning, customer service, and expense management. Data privacy and system integration, however, remain key concerns.

Looking Ahead

The GBTA’s October 2025 poll, conducted among 591 industry professionals worldwide, underscores a sector in transition: cautious yet innovative, challenged yet adaptive. As business travel redefines itself through changing policies, traveler preferences, and emerging technology, the road ahead appears more confident than it has in years.